The BEST Sloppy Joe Recipe

Posted November 7, 2023 by: Admin #Kitchen

If you’re in the mood for something saucy, beefy, and oh-so-satisfying, look no further. We firmly believe that this is the ultimate recipe for crafting your very own homemade Sloppy Joe. Picture this: perfectly seasoned ground beef enveloped in a rich and hearty tomato sauce, all nestled between toasted hamburger buns. This is a lunch or dinner idea that’s bound to delight your taste buds.

When it comes to warm, homemade sandwiches, from classic Grilled Cheese to our renowned Philly Cheesesteak, this Sloppy Joe Recipe undeniably reigns supreme.

This delectable Sloppy Joe recipe is not only incredibly easy to make but also budget-friendly, making it a fantastic choice for a family dinner. Succulent and juicy ground beef is sautéed alongside green peppers and onions, then simmered in a robust tomato sauce.

Having a selection of go-to ground beef recipes, such as Cheeseburger Sliders, Taco Salad, or Sloppy Joes, can make dinnertime a breeze. If you happen to have some ground beef in your freezer and need a simple meal idea, this one is an absolute must-try.

Key Ingredients for Sloppy Joes

• Ground Beef: Opt for lean ground beef (85-90% lean). If you use higher-fat content, be sure to skim off the excess fat after cooking.
• Bell Pepper: While green is our preference, feel free to substitute with a different color if needed.
• Onion & Garlic: These aromatic additions infuse wonderful flavor into the sauce, and they blend seamlessly, ensuring even picky eaters won’t notice.
• Homemade Sauce: A handful of simple pantry ingredients combine to create a sauce that outshines any store-bought version. The mixture of tomato sauce, brown sugar, yellow mustard, and Worcestershire sauce hits all the right flavor notes—sweet, savory, and tangy.

Steps to Make Delicious Sloppy Joes

• Chop Veggies: Finely chop the onion and green bell pepper.
• Prepare Sauce: In a bowl, combine Worcestershire sauce, yellow mustard, water, brown sugar, and tomato sauce.
• Sauté Beef: In a deep skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up as it cooks. Season with salt and pepper, then add the finely chopped onion and green pepper. Cook until the vegetables turn tender.
• Add Sauce: Incorporate the minced garlic and cook until fragrant. Pour in the sauce and let it simmer over medium-high heat until it gently boils.
• Simmer: Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 10 minutes. Adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if necessary.
• Serve: Spoon the saucy beef mixture onto toasted buns and serve as mouthwatering sandwiches.

Pro Tip: If you desire a spicier Sloppy Joe, consider adding some hot sauce or sriracha to the sauce.

Serving Suggestions

There are countless ways to savor a Sloppy Joe. Here are some creative options to explore:

• Classic: Enjoy this classic Sloppy Joe by serving it with toasted hamburger buns.
• Grilled Cheese: Elevate your Grilled Cheese by adding this meat mixture for a heartier sandwich.
• Pizza: Transform your homemade pizza dough into a delicious Sloppy Joe pizza by topping it with cheese.
• Loaded Fries: Indulge in the perfection of loaded fries by adding cheese and Sloppy Joe filling.
• Chili Dogs: Enhance your hot dogs by incorporating the meat sauce.
• Baked Potato: Take your loaded baked potato to new heights by using this meat sauce as a topping.

Common Questions

What Type of Ground Beef Should I Use?

For this recipe, opt for 85% or 90% lean ground beef.

Can I Make This Recipe in a Slow Cooker?

These easy Sloppy Joes are perfect for slow cooking. After browning the meat in a skillet, simply combine it with all the other ingredients in a crockpot. Cook on LOW for 4-6 hours or on HIGH for 2-3 hours.

What Sets Sloppy Joe Apart from Manwich?

This Sloppy Joe recipe is crafted from scratch, offering a homemade touch. Manwich, on the other hand, is a pre-made, store-bought sauce designed for making Sloppy Joes.

How Can I Add Spice to My Sloppy Joe?

If you enjoy a bit of heat, consider including some jalapenos alongside the green peppers.

Make-Ahead Tips

• Refrigerating: Allow the meat sauce to cool to room temperature, then cover and refrigerate it for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
• Freezing: Once the mixture is cooled, portion it into freezer-friendly containers or bags and freeze for 2-3 months. When ready to use, thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
• Reheating: It’s typically best to reheat a recipe the same way it was cooked. Warm the meat sauce on the stovetop in a skillet or saucepan until hot. Alternatively, you can use a microwave, but be sure to use a microwave shield to prevent messy splatters.